Bill > HB918

This bill modifies existing Missouri law by adding a new section to Chapter 537 that significantly changes product liability litigation rules. Specifically, the bill requires plaintiffs in personal injury, death, or property damage lawsuits to definitively prove that the specific defendant actually designed, manufactured, sold, or leased the exact product that caused the injury, not just a similar product. The legislation protects designers whose designs are copied without authorization from being held liable for injuries caused by products manufactured using their design. Furthermore, the bill prevents legal action against product manufacturers or sellers who cannot be directly linked to the specific product involved in the alleged injury. The law includes an important caveat that it does not eliminate other existing legal provisions related to issues like mislabeling, fraud, or liability for component manufacturers and distributors. This provision aims to provide additional legal protections for product designers and manufacturers by raising the standard of proof required in product liability cases and limiting potential grounds for litigation.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs, Justice

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB918&year=2025&code=R